SIAM: National Paradox

Bangkok, fair capital of warm lagoons and stately public buildings, rang last week with two sensations as opposite as her dozing Buddhist temples and clanging modern street cars.

White Elephant. From the tar north city of Chiengmai glad news sped that there had been born that rare marvel, a true white elephant, all pinkly pristine and signifying that the gods view with favor the ascension of pert brown-eyed King Pracha Tipok (TIME, March 8).

At Chiengmai stately priests flung garlands upon the baby elephant, poured lustral water on its quivering trunk and performed the...